Ep. 18: Tetsu confronts Susumu about Ayumu while Hijikata questions the ronin's motives during the rain.
Aired on February 11, 2004
Amidst heavy rain, Tetsu questions Susumu regarding Ayumu's location, but Susumu appears indifferent. Hijikata reflects on whether the ronin target the Shinsengumi due to fear or malice. At the okiya, Yamanami and Akesato walk outside to discuss Tetsu's depression and Ayumu's absence, with Yamanami admitting his loneliness without her. Meanwhile, Saya comforts Tetsu by resting his head on her lap. In a separate incident, Ayumu, working as a hairdresser, is discovered by Masuya as a spy for the Choushuu clan. Ayumu wounds Masuya's arm with a blade in an attempt to kill him.
Episodes
- Ep. 14 · Okita comforts Tatsu while Susumu attempts seppuku and Ayumu advises Tetsu to eat and befriend Susumu
- Ep. 15 · Okita shares haiku with Tetsu, prompting Hijikata to chase them while Ryoma races to intervene.
- Ep. 16 · Tetsu spars with Heisuke while Ryouma fails to dissuade Yoshida from revolt.
- Ep. 17 · Hijikata and Okita investigate an impostor while trapped in a mystical realm requiring a search for the Gate of Life.
- Ep. 18 · Tetsu confronts Susumu about Ayumu while Hijikata questions the ronin's motives during the rain.
- Ep. 19 · Tetsu reveals Ayumu's death to indifferent Susumu, leading to a quiet funeral and a new promise of friendship.
- Ep. 20 · Okita interrogates Masuya while Susumu attacks him and Yoshida traps Tetsu in a burning cabin.
- Ep. 21 · Tatsu reveals Tetsu's trauma while the Shinsengumi plans an attack on the Choushuu clan.
- Ep. 22 · Yamanami recalls childhood ricefishes as the Shinsengumi raid the inn and Yoshida faces Okita and Tetsu.